Fastening device



Sept. 24, 194e.

L. H. STEANS ETAL n FASTENING DEVICE Filea Ap'ril 14, 194s /renforv Patented Sept. 24, 1946 FASTENING DEVICE Lionel H. Steans and Earle R. Andrews, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application April 14, 1943, Serial No. 482,950

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to securing or fastening devices and relates more particularly to a fastener or nut forv use on studs, screws, bolts, shafts, etc. A general object of this invention is to provide a practical, eective and very dependable nut or clipthat may be quickly and easily applied or installed. Y

Another object of this invention is to provide a securing clip or nutrthat may be merely slid on the bolt to its final position or to its approximate position and then securely locked or engaged on the bolt by Va few relative turns Abetween the bolt and nut. The nut of the invention may be easily and quickly brought to its operative position by merely sliding it along the bolt, and will remain in this position until deliberately removed. In most instances, it will be desirable to tighten the nut against the Work and to lock or secure the nut onto the bolt when it is brought against the work and this is easily done by giving the nut and/or the bolt a few turns with a wrench', or the like. l

Another object of this invention is to prol vide a clip or nut of the character referred to embodying one, two or more pairs of parts for gripping and locking with the pin, shaft or bolt, the parts being so related and connected that they mutually contribute to the gripping of the bolt. The gripping parts of each pair of such parts are carried by the opposite side portions of a continuous box-like loop or stock and the Vparts are formed and disposed so that their engagement with the bolt tends to spread the sides of the loop or box-like structure and thus causes the nut to securely lock onto thev bolt. The formation and disposition of the gripping parts are such that their individual gripping actionis augmented by reason of the flexibility and resiliency of the box-like loop which forms the body of 'the nut and the engagement of the several parts with the bolt further causes the box-like body to bind onto the bolt.

Another object of this invention is to provide a clip, nut or fastener of the character referred to that has full and extensive engagement with the work. The base of the device is flat and broad to have ample cooperation with the face of the Work. -V

Another object of this invention is to provide a clip or nut of the character referred to in which the tightening of the nut, as by rotation on the bolt, results in the positive inward projection of one or more lock parts against' or into the thread of the bolt, securely and dependably locking the nut on the bolt. p

Another object of this invention is to provide a clip or nut of the character referred to in which a base portion of the nut acts as a washer. The loop or box-like structure of the nut embodies overlapping portions at its base. One of these overlapping portions has gripping parts which have binding or gripping engagement with the opposite sides of the bolt and the other overlapping portion comes into engagement with the face of th'e kwork and functions in a manner resembling a washer. y

Another object of this invention is to provide a nut of the character mentioned which carries a thread for cooperating with the thread of the bolt and a plurality of gripping parts for gripping the thread of the bolt, thus embodying the features and advantages of a conventional threaded'nut and the further advantages of a clip fastener or locking device.

Another object of this invention is to provide a securing clip or nut of the character mentioned that is inexpensive to manufacture and that is convenient to use.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference. is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal detailed sectional View of the nut on th'e bolt before being tightened down. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the nut of Fig. 1, and` Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating another form of the invention.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. l and 2 of the drawingV may be described, generally, as a box-like structure or body I0' having Y sets of.` gripping parts for cooperating with a stud, screw, bolt, pin shaft, rivet or the like, II. In accordance with the invention the body III is a single, continuous length of sheet Istrap or plate stock shaped to form a box-like loop structure. The material is shaped and bent to have what I will `term a base portion I2, a side I3 rising from the base portion I2, a top I4 extending from the side I3, a side I5 extending downwardly from the top I4 and a second or inner base portion I6 extending inwardly from the lower end of the side I5. It is to be understood that the several parts just mentioned are integrally joined one with the other and form portions of a continuous loop of generally rectangular shape.

The body I0 is proportioned so that it may be readily engaged by a wrench or the like. The edges I1 of the body IIJ are straightand parallel so that they may be engaged by the wrench and the opposite sides i3 and I5 are flat and generally parallel to be readily engaged by the wrench. In practice the body I may be substantially square in transverse cross section. The base portion I2 is flat and is adapted to engage against the work. The top I4 may be flat or may be convex as illustrated in the drawing. The inner base portion IS initially slopes upwardly and inwardly from its line of connection with the side l5, The base portions I2 and I5 are not directly connected or joined and are free for relative movement. It is to be observed that the body i5 just described is a simple, inexpensive one-piece element.

It is a feature of the invention that the fastener Y or nut may be provided with as many gripping parts or lock parts as required. Thus the nut may have two, three, four, iive or more locking or gripping parts. The clamp, clip, nut or fastener of the invention may be used on pins, shafts, rivets, and the like that are unthreaded and may be used on screws, bolts, studs, and the like, that `are threaded, ribbed or corrugated. In the'particular case illustrated the gripping parts cooperate with the .thread T of -a bolt, o-r the like, it being understood that this is merely one typical `use of the invention, In the particular case illustrated there are seven grip or lock parts in addition to the base portions I2 and iii which also grip or lock with the thread T of the bolt i i.

Thetop Irl may be provided with a pair of locking or Vgripping parts I3. Thetop Iii has an opening for receivingr the bolt I i and the gripping parts is are arranged at opposite sides of the opening to cooperate with the bolt. The parts i8 may be formed by making two parallel cuts in the top Ill and bending 0r striking up the metal between these cuts. The locking or gripping parts `Iii may be straight or bowed, as preferred, andthe inner or active edges I9 lof the parts iii may be straight or curved. In the particular` case illustrated the edges I9 are concave, it being understood that they may be straight, convex, or waved, as desired. The active edges I9 oi the parts i8 are not directly opposite but are offset axially of'thebolt, to have more effective binding or gripping cooperation with the helical thread T of the bolt. The active edges I9 oi the gripping parts I8 may be beveled or pitched to have a more effective locking engagement in the thread T andthe gauge of the metal of which the body IE! is formed may be such that the edges I9 readily engage or lock in the thread T.

The body sides i3 and l5 may carry as many locking or gripping parts as required. In the particular construction illustrated in the drawing there is a, pair of gripping parts carried by the sides of the nut, it being understood that this is merely illustrative. The gripping parts 2E! are in the nature of tongues or fingers projecting inwardly from the sides i3 and I5 to engage with the thread 'I'. The parts 25 may be formed by making C, V or kU-shaped cutsjZb in the sides I3 and I5 and bending the material from the sides. The lower edges of the parts 2t are integrally vjoined with the sides I3 and I5 and `the parts slope upwardly and inwardly ,to have their inner or active edges a in position for cooperation with the bolt E l. It may be preferred to make the upper walls of the U-shaped cuts 25" in the sides I3 and I5 pitched or angular so that the active edge portions of the parts 2@ will be V-shaped to more effectively fit and lock in the thread `T of the bolt. Furthermore, the

4 active edges a of the parts 20 may be concave, convex or waved. In the particular case illustrated the edges 25a are concave to have more extensive engagement with the thread T and are slightly pitched or waved to have better locking engagement with the thread.

As best illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawing the gripping parts 25 are axially staggered or offset, the part 25 at vthe lefthand side or" Fig. 1 being in a plane slightly above the plane of the part 20 at the righthand side. As a result of this osetting of the parts 25 their engagement with .the thread T tends to twist or tilt the nut to Yprovide a better locking or gripping action. The v:gripping parts 253 may be flat and straight, as shown in the drawing, or if desired may be bowed like `the above described parts iS. It is to be observed that the gripping parts 25 are carried by the side parts I3 and I5 whi h are free or unconnected at their lower ends so that the cooperation of `the parts 2Q with the thread 'I tendsto spread the sides I3 and 25 and thus causes the base portions I2 and I5 te lock onto the bolt II.

The base portion I6 is preferably provided with a set or pair of lock parts or gripping parts 2| and 22. An opening 23 is formed in the base portion I6 to pass the bolt II. The axis of the opening 23 is pitched with respect to the plane of the portion I6 so that the walls of the opening may bite 'into the thread T. The lock or grip part 2l is formed by bending back the material at the inner extremity of the base portion I5. The part 2l is pitched upwardly and inwardly to `,have its'edge cooperate with 4the bolt thread T. Therpart 22 cooperates with the bolt II in a plane below the plane occupied by the active edge of the gripping part 2l to obtain a better locking orgrippng action. The active edges of the gripping parts 2i and 22 maybe straight, pitched or waved, as desired. From'an inspection of Fig. 1 of the drawing it will be'seen that the gripping parts I8, 20 and 22 at one side of the nut have their active edges below the active edges of the complementary gripping parts at the other side of the nut. This vaids in causing the nut to lock or bind on the bolt.

In addition to the locking or gripping parts i8, 20, 2| and 22, one or more gripping parts may befprovided on the base portion I2. An opening 24 is provided in the base por-tion I2 to receive the bolt II. In the construction illustrated a single gripping part 25 is provided on'the base portion I2 at gone side of the opening 24. The gripping part 25 'may be formed `by making a U-shaped cut inthe base vportion I2 and 'then bendingup the metal outlined Vby the cut. The gripping Vlpart 25 is located under the free or outer part of the base portion I5 and its upper corner or edge is engageablebythe base portion I6 as will be later described. In `practice the gripping part 25 may be relatively short. The opening 24 Vmay be formed so that hits wall is pitched with respect to the plane of the base portion AI2 to have effective gripping engagement with the thread Tand the active edge of the gripping part 25 maybe shaped to have the most effective gripping engagement with the thread.

It is to be observed `that all of the" gripping parts I8, 2D, 2|,j22 and 25 vslope upwardly and toward the bolt I I sothat the nut may be readily slid downwardly along the bolt. The several gripping parts-flex or spring outwardly and upwardly asthey ratchet over the thread T. VFor example, if -there is an axial force tending to displace the which tends to displace ythe nut from the bolt .tends to straighten the gripping parts 2|! and this causes an outward force to be applied to the sides I3 and I5. When the gripping parts 20 move toward a position normal with respect to the axis of the bolt the sides I3 and I5 tend to move away from the bolt and the walls of the openings 23 and 24 are brought into .tighter cooperation with the thread T. From the above it will be seen that the securing clip or nut of the present invention has gripping or locking engagement with the bolt at a multiplicity lof spaced points and dependably resists displacement.

It is usually preferred to bend or shape the active edges of the parts I8, 2U, 2|, 22 and 25 -to have a helical pitch for cooperating with the thread T. This facilitates the threading of the nut on the bolt if it is desired to finally tighten or lock the nut against the work. Assuming the nut has been moved along the bolt to a position at the work a limited relative turning between Vthe nut and the bolt will bring the nut into tight engagement with the work and will lock the nut on the bolt. The threading of the nut assists in actuating the gripping parts I8, 20, 2| and 22 into tight engagement with the ,thread T and causes the base portion to be drawn down toward the base portion I2. When this occurs the base por-v tion I6 forces the grippingpart 25 downwardly so that its active edge is positively gripped with the thread T. It is to be observed that the base portion I2 which engages the work serves as a washer while the base portion I6 carries the gripping parts 2| and 22 toassist in locking the nut on the bolt. The nut applied to the bolt as above described will effectively resist displacement and will not loosen when subjected to vibration. However, if it is desired to remove the nut relative rotation between the nut and the bolt in the correct direction unthreads the nut from the bolt. Y

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawing the body IIJ and the gripping parts I8, 20 and 2| may be the same as described above. In this form of the invention the gripping part 22 is not employed but the gripping part 25 may be used if desired. A plate 3D is provided on the inner or upper surface of the base portion I6. The plate 3 is welded to the base portion |6 as at 3| to be integrally joined with the base portion and body. The plate 30 has a central opening registering with the opening 23 and provided with a thread 3| for mating with the thread T of the bolt.

In employing the nut of Fig. 3 the nut is threaded along the bolt II in the usual manner. When the base portion I2 engages the work its movement is stopped and upon continued turning between the nut and bolt the nut is locked on the bolt. It will beV seen that the thread 3|a cooperating with the thread T draws the base portion I6 down against the base portion I2 to positively force the gripping part v25 inward against the threadrT. The gripping parts I8, 2B and 2| function as above described to lock with the thread T and the walls of the openings l6 23' andv 24 cooperate withy the thread to aidir'i securing the'nutonl-'thefbolt- The fastener or fastening device of ythelinvention has many uses. It may be employed as a nut, clamp or clip, or

as a bracket or elementlof a bracket assembly.

It will be apparent that the device may be modified in-size, shape, etc. to adaptit ,for its different e vUSBS.

Having described' only typical preferred.` forms and applications of our invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves anyvariations or modifications that may appear .n to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described ourr invention, we claim: 1. A fastening devicel for use on a threaded bolt including a length of material bent into the form of a substantially rectangular loop having a first base portion, a side extending upwardly from the first base portion, a top extending from the side, a second side extending downwardly from the top and a second base portion extending inwardly from the second side t0 be in overlying relation to the first base portion, said base portions and top having openings for receiving the bolt, inturned parts on the two sides sloping upwardly and inwardly to engage the thread of the bolt, an upwardly and inwardly projecting part on the first base portion engageable with the thread of the bolt, and at least one upwardly andinwardly projecting part on the second base portion for engaging the thread of the bolt, the said base portions being related for relative movement and the last named part being pressed against the thread of the bolt by'said relative movement.

2. A fastening device for use on a threaded bolt including a length of material bent into the form Vof a substantially rectangular loop having a first base portion, a side extending upwardly from the Ifirst base portion, a top extending from the side,

a second sidel extendingy downwardly from the top and a second base portion extending inwardly from the second side to be in overlying relation to the first base portion, said base portions and top having openings for receiving the bolt, opposed integral parts struck from the sides to project upwardly and inwardly therefrom so that they engage with the thread of the bolt, and integral parts struck from the top to project upwardly and inwardly therefrom so that they engage with the thread -of the bolt, said .Darts at one side of the bolt being higher than said parts at the other side of the bolt.

3. A fastening device for use on a threaded bolt including a length of material bent into the form of a substantially rectangular loop having a first base portion, a side extending upwardly from the first base portion, a top extending from the side, a second side extending downwardly kfrom the top and a second base portion extending inwardly from the second side to be in overlying relation to the first base portion, said base portions and top having openings for receiving the bolt, opposed inturned parts on the two sides sloping upwardly and inwardly to engage the thread of the bolt, the walls of said openings in the base portions being pitched and said base portions being relatively movable so that the .pitched walls of the openings may lock with the thread of the bolt.

4. A fastening device for use on a threaded` bolt including a length of material bent into the form of a substantially rectangular loop having a first base portion, a side extending upwardly from the rst base portion, atop extending from the side, `a second side extending downwardly from the top and a second base .portion extending inwardly from the second side to be in overlying vrelation to the first base portion, v-said base portions and top having openings for receiving lthe bolt, inturned parts on the two sides sloping upwardly and inwardly to engage the thread ofthe bolt, a plate integrally joined with said second 

